How Technology Aids My Health Journey
Following her heart and lung transplant in 2018, Anna Jeter reflects on how modern technology has become an essential part of her health management. From smartwatches to patient portals and delivery services, Jeter shares how these tools have helped her stay on top of her health and simplify her daily life.
Smartwatch and Phone: Essential Health Trackers
Initially dreaming of tracking ambitious hikes and runs, Jeter found her smartwatch proved helpful in her post-transplant life in different ways. She uses it to monitor workouts, which gives her valuable insights into her long-term health trends. By reviewing this data, she can identify when she was last active, understanding her health patterns over months and even years.
Jeter also uses her watch to monitor her heart rate, which sometimes runs high. When a pulse oximeter is unavailable, her watch provides a quick check-in, and she has found the data to be fairly reliable for tracking her health. Additionally, both phone and watch are used for medication reminders, vital for transplant patients. Jeter takes her medications at 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily, setting alarms on her phone and watch to ensure she doesn’t miss a dose.
Apps and Patient Portals: Simplifying Healthcare
Beyond her smartwatch, Jeter uses health-based applications to keep track of how she is feeling. These apps let her record changes in medications and symptoms. For example, a period tracker helps her understand the impact that menstruation has on other symptoms, such as migraines. Patient portals have also made a huge difference. Before these, accessing patient information was difficult, but now important medical information is easily accessible.
With a click of a button, Jeter can access lab results, medication details, diagnoses, and upcoming appointments. This ease of access provides peace of mind and streamlines her healthcare management.
Modern Conveniences: Making Life Easier
Jeter highlights the benefits of generic tech improvements for the chronic illness community. Apps like Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart have brought convenience, especially during times of increased illness when food or groceries need to be delivered. While managing physical health and the associated record-keeping can be challenging, Jeter is thankful for the technological advancements that make it all a little easier. For Jeter, it’s always exciting to discover new ways modern technology can improve health knowledge and quality of life.
Note: Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Hypertension News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary hypertension.
